Said state BJP president Thounaojam Chaoba: “We have a long list of the Congress members who are seeking admission to the party. We may come out with the detailed list soon.”

Ibobi Singh has been in power for 14 long years, and Congress dissidents say the wind in the state now favours the BJP.

A dissident told IANS: “At the time of installing the last ministry, Ibobi Singh assured us that the present ministers will be in power for two and a half years, after which new faces will be inducted.

“This time, we may look for greener pastures. There is no charm remaining merely as legislators.”

Sonia Gandhi has reportedly taken a serious note of the demands of the dissidents, whose number is said to be increasing.